“It Is Impossible”

Hebrews 10:4-10

The direct declaration of verse four in the Hebrews text dispenses with any thought about religious activity significantly addressing the issue and problem of sin. No religious traditions or rituals can solve human brokenness. No number of ritualistic observances can bring about the reality of closeness with God. No religious investment can provide spiritual transformation. “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”

It is quite clear that the writer of the book of Hebrews is convinced that the incarnation is the divine initiative to address the depth of human distance from God. It was not a religion founded, not an organization with spiritual symbols, but the embodiment of God’s love, Jesus Christ. “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.”

God’s love created the solution to the problem of sin. It was God’s will and intention to offer salvation to the entire human race through the reality of the cross of Christ. Therefore, while the religious efforts have failed

to redeem the spirit of people, the establishment of the most effective solution has been accomplished by sacrificial love. “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr.